Women -- Suffrage -- History; Women -- Suffrage -- United States -- History; Women's rights -- History; Women's rights -- United States -- History
In conclusion, we appeal to our sisters of Ohio to arise from the
lethargy of ages; to assert their rights as independent human
beings; to demand their true position as equally responsible
co-workers with their brethren in this world of action. We urge
you by your self-respect, by every consideration for the human
race, to arise and take possession of your birthright to freedom
and equality. Take it not as the gracious boon tendered by the
chivalry of superiors, but as your _right_, on every principle of
justice and equality.
The present is a most favorable time for the women of Ohio to
demand a recognition of their rights. The organic law of the
State is about to undergo a revision. Let it not be our fault if
the rights of humanity, and not alone those of "free white male
citizens," are recognized and protected. Let us agitate the
subject in the family circle, in public assemblies, and through
the press. Let us flood the Constitutional Convention with
memorials and addresses, trusting to truth and a righteous cause
for the success of our efforts.
This Convention had one peculiar characteristic. It was officered
entirely by women; not a man was allowed to sit on the platform, to
speak, or vote. _Never did men so suffer._ They implored just to say a
word; but no; the President was inflexible--no man should be heard. If
one meekly arose to make a suggestion he was at once ruled out of
order. For the first time in the world's history, men learned how it
felt to sit in silence when questions in which they were interested
were under discussion. It would have been an admirable way of closing
the Convention, had a rich banquet been provided, to which the men
should have had the privilege of purchasing tickets to the gallery,
there to enjoy the savory odors, and listen to the after-dinner
speeches. However, the gentlemen in the Convention passed through this
severe trial with calm resignation; at the close, organized an
association of their own, and generously endorsed all the ladies had
said and done.
Though the women in this Convention were unaccustomed to public
speaking and parliamentary tactics, the interest was well sustained
for two days, and the deliberations were conducted with dignity and
order. It was here Josephine S. Griffing uttered her first brave
words for woman's emancipation, though her voice had long been heard
in pathetic pleading for the black man's rights. This Convention,
which was called and conducted by Mrs. Emily Robinson, with such aid
as she could enlist, was largely attended and entirely successful.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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